Bizarre Computer Problem

[Zep]

Oh ho! I think I saw a clue in some of your posts above!

Please check this sequence:

1. Once the machine is running, when you reboot, do you do the Ctl-Alt-Del type reboot? That is, you do not power-off?

2. If you reboot doing a power-off, do you switch back on again with about 10 secs?

3. Do either or both these reboot sequences mean the PC reboots OK without the "wait syndrome"?

IF SO, you MAY have a failing hard drive. The HD is one of the components that fails most frequently in PCs. One of the first signs they are on the way out is that they fail to load properly or promptly on start from cold. Sometimes it may take a few minutes for them to warm up and then go online. Older HDs are especially prone to this. However, it also means they are close to total collapse anyway, with little hope of economic repair.

I take it you do know how to listen for the symptoms? Are you able to try a different HD temporarily?

 

[Luceiia]

You probably have a hardware failure.

I would first check the RAM to see if it is bad (use a free tester software available on the Internet). If not, then I would suspect either the video or motherboard.

My money is on the motherboard.

I've run into similar problems several times before. Usually, it's the motherboard but fixing the RAM is cheaper and easier, so always check it first.

On a side note, your computer is VERY old and lived its life... perhaps its time to let it go and buy a new one. You already have the moniter and perphireals, so buying a new computer is really very inexpensive. Just don't buy one of those crappy eMachines again.

Your (Joshua's) responses to my questions have me wanting to post exactly what DB has said. I would bet it's a bad motherboard.

I'd guess one of the logic circuits gets garbaged when it receives some user input before it's completely initialized. If you're technically inclined, you might try flashing your BIOS ( http://www.wimsbios.com/ ), or you might grab a cheap replacement motherboard ( http://www.newegg.com ). One of the forum members might even have an old mobo they'd send you for free that will support your cpu and ram.

If it's an ETower 733i, then the mobo is:
Cognac Micro ATX (ATX V1.2 form factor) motherboard, TriGem, Korea Intel Socket-370 (370pin PPGA Socket) for Intel FC-PGA Celeron CPUs Integrating on-chip Graphics controller and Memory Controller Hub (GMCH): Intel FW82810, as well as Intel I/O Controller Hub (ICH) and AC 97' Controller.
( from http://www.emachines.com/support/view_faq.html?faq=1004986892 )

Manual for the board:
http://www.motherboards.org/files/manuals/125/cognac.pdf


Luceiia